Just For Fun

By Bazaar Staff 13/02/2018

DON’T BE A JERK THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

Your definitive guide to NOT messing up on February 14th

Valentine’s Day can be a can of worms. Love it, hate it or ignore it, you end up being forced with having an opinion. While some of you can’t wait to throw around red heart-shaped confetti, we know that others need help. So we come in peace, promise!

Valentine’s Day used to be about the handmade cards for all your classmates, now it has become its own huge industry. And it is easy to mess things up and end up being a total jerk instead of Prince (or Princess) Charming. Here’s how to get ready for it, like it or not!

Be prepared: Valentine’s Day does not sneak up on you. It is on February 14th. You will notice an increase in red and pink heart-shaped merchandise everywhere! That way you can make the right plans. If you are the truly oblivious and forgetful type, use the calendar app on your phone. Add a reminder. And while we are at it you should also add in her birthday, your anniversary, and your passport/residency renewal date. Do it right now.

If you had thought ahead properly, you would have made sure your anniversary and her birthday was on Valentine’s. There is an exception to this rule. If both of you don’t really care, then try going off the beaten path together by discovering or re-discovering Kuwait’s hidden gems.

Don’t be subtle: If you want something ask for it. If your significant other is not the kind who gets subtle hints, stop dropping them. Either come out and ask for what you want or just buy it for yourself and get over it. Nagging and sulking is a one-way road to jerk-town.

Don’t wait until the last minute to buy flowers. You don’t want to be one of many men lined up trying to get your hands on wilted remnants, that no one wanted. Order flowers early, it is even easier to do it online now. Option two, get a house-plant. Nothing says commitment like, let’s not kill this plant together.

Make a reservation if you plan on going to one of the more popular restaurants. Nothing kills the mood like having to wait outside a restaurant because you didn’t make a reservation. If you are not sure where to go, we’ve got you covered. Our dining guide has all the information you need. Or you could always stay home and order something from any of the food delivery apps Kuwait has to offer. Plus, you get to be as touchy feely as you need to be in the privacy of your own home.

Don’t be romantic, be authentic. Big gestures that you don’t really mean, lavish gifts that you can’t afford, poetry that you didn’t really write are a bad idea. We’re also tired of men who think they can buy affection with their Dinars. We are also bored to death of cliches. So boring! It really doesn’t have to be flowers and dinner at a fancy restaurant. Maybe go jet-skiing and eat shawarma instead. Be yourself, let your authenticity shine through.

It’s not about you. This is NOT about how amazing, romantic, pretty, stylish, smart, rich or insert your favorite description of yourself here. This is about making your partner feel special and celebrating your relationship. We are looking at you, Miss Wannabe Instagram Star, with the bazillion photos and hashtags.

The best gift is time. Spending time together is fantastic. But Arab possessiveness can be grating sometimes. Maybe what you really need is time apart. Seriously! Have you considered gifting your loved one some guilt-free alone time to do as they please? A spa-day, an art class or sky-diving, where they can have an amazing experience that they are totally into. Go ahead and spend the evening together, but remember that some distance and time away from each other might help you survive until your next Valentine’s day.